You're a homeowner and determined your home's air conditioning needs fixing or needs to be replaced with a newer, more efficient system. You're all set to get moving. What's the optimal way to get a high quality HVAC contractor who will do a good job for a fair price? What could you look for in an air conditioning contractor to obtain this work? Parker

Parker

Furnace filter issues can often lead to needed furnace repairs. Many contractors note that homeowners don't often place a high enough importance on attending to this all-important component.Having the correct furnace filter in place is vital to the performance of the furnace. The filter's design is such that it will catch the dust and other small particles that might otherwise reach your furnace. your furnace will not function properly if that happens.The dust and other stuff that gets through to the furnace can actually be a potential fire hazard over time. This is why it's so important to buy the best filter you can afford and to change it out often. How often depends on a few variables. The filter should be replaced each month if you live in a very dusty area or have pets that shed. Also, a good furnace filter is designed to can catch at least many of the allergens inside your home. They are blown all throughout your home through the venting system If they aren't properly filtered. For those who suffer from allergies, they know how bad that can be.So even though furnace filters that are hypoallergenic with special designs are more expensive, it's probably worth it. They really do help prevent dust, pollen, and other things that might make you sneeze from being spread through you home. It's interesting to note that you can actually save money with furnace filters. By changing them before they get too clogged and dirty, you enable your furnace to run better. "Better" means more effectively and efficiently.When the furnace isn't running properly, it has to work harder. This certainly causes it to use more energy, driving up your costs. So in the long run, spending extra for the best filter and changing it out often is worth it. But you also need to consider the safety factor. A dirty filter can be a fire hazard similar to a dirty dryer filter or vent. The cost of fire damage, and the problems that come with it, far outweighs the cost of a good, clean filter.What you need to most remember about furnace filters is this: Pay me now, or you pay me later. Remember that line from the old Fram oil filter commercial? This also applies to furnace filters.The cost of a furnace repair will likely rise if the furnace filter isn't taken care of properly. Buy the best one you can afford and change it out often. It's really that simple!

HVAC - Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning

When you have allergies, you feel miserable throughout the day. It is one of the worst feelings in the world, and you dread the upcoming "allergy season". What's worse is that while you may have allergies to the irritants outside (i.e. pollen), you're typically only outside for a short period of time throughout your day. Instead, like most people, you spend all your time indoors. Well, did you know that the quality of the air indoors is usually at least 5 times more detrimental to your health as the quality of the air outdoors? That means you're literally basking your allergies in more polluted air than if you were to go outside. Doesn't seem right, does it?Why is your indoor quality so bad? Often it has to do with your HVAC system. There are many different facets of your HVAC system, and each can contribute to indoor air pollution in their own way. This, of course, will exacerbate your allergy symptoms. An HVAC expert would be able to come into your home and troubleshoot why you are experiencing allergy symptoms within your home, but you should also know what can be causing them so you can prevent an irritation in the future. AIR FILTERSAir filters are designed to filter out the elements you don't want to "get in" to your living environment. Those elements can be dander, pollen, dust, dirt, mites, etc. If your filters become dirty and/or non-functional, those elements can sneak in, and build up large amounts. That air that sneaks in with the nasty elements is then circulated throughout your house via your HVAC system, and now you have a pervasive problem for your allergies. It is important to switch out your filters, or clean them if they are reusable, frequently. The frequency with which you change out your filters will depend on the type of filter that you have and how quick the unwanted elements build-up on it. Cheap filters can also let a lot of the "nasty" elements into your living space because they do not have the technological design to do so. If you suffer from allergies, it is wise to upgrade from cheap filters to something like a HEPA filter which can trap up to 99% of unwanted elements. DUCT SYSTEMDirty, poorly designed, or incorrectly installed duct work can also let in pollutants that can aggravate your allergies. Leaky ductwork, in particular, can contribute to the production of mold, as well as let in dust and other particles.HVAC SYSTEMHVAC systems should be routinely cleaned at least once a year to ensure that the build-up of unwanted pollutants is not present within the system. During the inspection, it should also be verified that there are no inherent flaws within the system that is contributing to more build-up.